399
ilt/issionary Activity Among tlie Apaclzes, 1743-1758
now. They would be glad to have the soldiers go with them on the hunt. On the return, maybe, they would enter the mission. 92 Parrilla proposes abandonment. The Indians departed gleefully in search of buffalo, while the disillusioned missionaries gazed in amazement. Colonel Ortiz Parrilla smiled with satisfaction at his accurate prediction. On June 30, he wrote to the viceroy a detailed report and emphatically declared there was no hope of success. Under the circumstances, it would be better to give up the mission plans and to allow him to remove the new presidio to the Llano River to protect the new mines of Los Almagres and foster the development of a prosperous settlement. The viceroy promptly refused the proposal and reminded the commander of San Luis de las Amarillas that it was his duty to direct all his efforts to the success of the original plan entrusted to him. 93 Queretaran friars give ,vp /,ope. The prospects for success were certainly far from bright. Fray Alonso alone still hoped against hope. His com- panions were ready to return to Mexico. Only the persuasion of the stern and devoted leader kept them at their post. El Chico and his followers unexpectedly returned to San Saba a few days later, loaded with buffalo meat. For a moment the hope of the missionaries was rekindled. But it proved only a flicker. The Indians refused to tarry. After a few days they moved hurriedly south, as if compelled to go by the realization of an impending danger. Serious doubts had long since shaken the faith of Fray Varela. He now asked to be allowed to return to Queretaro. His request was granted Longingly, Fathers Banos and Jimenez watched him depart. On July 5 they addressed the Discretorio of Queretaro asking permission to return also. "The only motive," they declared, "that could detain us here is the administration of the presidio, for there is no hope whatever of the Indians." Their request was granted, and early in the fall the two dis- illusioned and tired missionaries bade farewall to Fray Alonso, Fray Santiesteban, and Fray Santisima Trinidad, who steadfastly chose to remain at San Saba. 94 92 Arricivita, Cronica. 369-370; Dunn, op. cil., 397-399. San Francisco 1l Grantl1 Arcliive, Vol. 23, pp. 101-194, Vol. 24, pp. 1-57. 93 Parrilla to the Viceroy, June 30, 17 57; the Viceroy to Parrilla, September 30, 1757. A.G. M. Historia, Vol. 9S, pp. 146, 140. MCarta de Fray Joaquin Banos and Fray Diego Jimenes, July 5, 17 57. San Francisco el Grandi Archive, Vol. 11, pp. 192-196.
Powered by FlippingBook